Initiative for new health centre for Llandudno Junction and Conwy

An initiative by Llandudno Junction cllr Mike Priestly has led to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) contacting Conwy council to explore ways to bring existing doctors’ surgeries and other medical practices, such as dentistry together under one roof.

Cllr Priestley had written to the Welsh health minister, Vaughan Gethin suggesting the disused Ysgol Nant-y-Coed, in Llandudno Junction, as a suitable building for a medical centre for the area. The building is owned by Conwy County Borough Council.

This was reported in the Pioneer last May.

In response Cllr Priestley received a letter from BCUHB which said: “It is accepted the three GP practices in Conwy, along with the practice in Llandudno Junction (Lonfa Surgery), are in need of new accommodation and there is a need to develop a business case that brings them into the same facilities (this may be one or two buildings).

“This will provide the opportunity to review other service provision, such as community and dental services, as well as services provided by the wider Community Resource Team, Local Authority (possibly Social Services and Leisure), and also the third sector, as well as considering the impact of the growing number of housing developments in the area.”

The letter also said talks between BCHUB and Conwy Council had already started.

Cllr Priestley said: “We have had so much of our land taken away from us in and around the area for housing, with scant regard for service provision. Every sizeable housing application that has gone to the planning Committee in Conwy has always had objections about the lack of GP’s, dentists and school capacity.

“We now have a golden opportunity to provide a much needed medical facility at this former school site, Ysgol Nant y Coed. This facility should be capable of providing multi disciplinary services to the community.

“We need all services to get together and pool resources to make this possible, this includes the local authority.”